Catastrophes

The canon called “Catastrophes” bears the image of the Creator of Strife’s impossible divine focus on a dark cover. The book is bound in wood or leather with thick, pulpy paper.

While no two Catastrophes seem the same (or even in agreement with one another), they all carry similar content. The chapters are named Strifes. Each of the three Strifes describes one aspect of the Creator of Strife. One is the abductor and slayer of the fortunate, thus making them unfortunate. Another is the summoner of foul weather. The last is the great warmonger that descends on villages and towns already oppressed by great storms, spreading discord and misfortune in their wake.

The chapters do not seem to further the faith’s ethos very far. The tone of the chapters glorifies the Creator of Strife more than it explains any philosophy or belief. The Minions of Misfortune become adept at interpreting the verses however they wish to accomplish their immediate needs. Reading it carries an odd effect, however; as ever so subtly, the text plays on the subconscious of the reader. Even a brief perusing tends to leave the reader feeling argumentative, contrary and on edge for no apparent reason.

Catastrophes is, ironically, widely available in rural areas. The third Strife, in its statements on domination of humanoid tribes, gives telltale clues that a humanoid attack is imminent, and so village militiamen across Tellene are familiar with it, though most fail to realize the dangers involved with reading the text. It costs 25 gp.